New insights into decoding the lifestyle of endophytic Fusarium lateritium Fl617 via comparing genomes.

Fungal-plant interactions have persisted for 460 million years, and almost all terrestrial plants on Earth have endophytic fungi. However, the mechanism of symbiosis between endophytic fungi and host plants has been inconclusive. In this dissertation, we used a strain of endophytic Fusarium lateritium (Fl617), which was found in the previous stage to promote disease resistance in tomato, and selected the pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Fo4287 and endophytic Fusarium oxysporum Fo47, which are in the same host and the closest relatives of Fl617, to carry out a comparative genomics analysis of the three systems and to provide a new perspective for the elucidation of the special lifestyle of the fungal endophytes. We found that endophytic F. lateritium has a smaller genome, fewer clusters and genes associated with pathogenicity, and fewer plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs). There were also relatively fewer secondary metabolisms and typical Fusarium spp. toxins, and a lack of the key Fusarium spp. pathogenicity factor, secreted in xylem (SIX), but the endophytic fungi may be more sophisticated in their regulation of the colonization process. It is hypothesized that the endophytic fungi may have maintained their symbiosis with plants due to the relatively homogeneous microenvironment in plants for a long period of time, considering only plant interactions and discarding the relevant pathogenicity factors, and that their endophytic evolutionary tendency may tend to be genome streamlining and to enhance the fineness of the regulation of plant interactions, thus maintaining their symbiotic status with plants.

NIR-activated electrospun nanodetonator dressing enhances infected diabetic wound healing with combined photothermal and nitric oxide-based gas therapy.

Diabetic wounds pose a challenge to healing due to increased bacterial susceptibility and poor vascularization. Effective healing requires simultaneous bacterial and biofilm elimination and angiogenesis stimulation. In this study, we incorporated polyaniline (PANI) and S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) into a polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, and hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (PVA/CS/HTCC) matrix, creating a versatile wound dressing membrane through electrospinning. The dressing combines the advantages of photothermal antibacterial therapy and nitric oxide gas therapy, exhibiting enduring and effective bactericidal activity and biofilm disruption against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the membrane's PTT effect and NO release exhibit significant synergistic activation, enabling a nanodetonator-like burst release of NO through NIR irradiation to disintegrate biofilms. Importantly, the nanofiber sustained a uniform release of nitric oxide, thereby catalyzing angiogenesis and advancing cellular migration. Ultimately, the employment of this membrane dressing culminated in the efficacious amelioration of diabetic-infected wounds in Sprague-Dawley rats, achieving wound closure within a concise duration of 14 days. Upon applying NIR irradiation to the PVA-CS-HTCC-PANI-GSNO nanofiber membrane, it swiftly eradicates bacteria and biofilm within 5 min, enhancing its inherent antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties through the powerful synergistic action of PTT and NO therapy. It also promotes angiogenesis, exhibits excellent biocompatibility, and is easy to use, highlighting its potential in treating diabetic wounds.

Father support breastfeeding self-efficacy positively affects exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum and its influencing factors in Southeast China: a multi-centre, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The exclusive breastfeeding condition in China is not optimism now. Maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy stands as a pivotal factor influencing exclusive breastfeeding. Interestingly, studies have suggested that father support breastfeeding self-efficacy is a pivotal mediator in infant breastfeeding. Thus, the current research aimed to investigate the association between father support breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum, and the influencing factors of father support breastfeeding self-efficacy. METHODS: This research was structured as a multi-centre cross-sectional study, involving 328 fathers, whose partners were six weeks postpartum, and recruited from two public hospitals in Southeast China. Self-designed demographic questionnaires, namely, Father Support Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire, Positive Affect Scale and the 14-item Fatigue Scale, were applied. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, logistic regression univariate analysis and multiple linear regression were used to analyse data. RESULTS: Results indicate a significant difference between the infant feeding methods at six weeks postpartum and fathers with different levels of support breastfeeding self-efficacy (p < 0.05). Particularly, father support breastfeeding self-efficacy positively affected exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum after adjusting all the demographic characteristics of fathers (OR: 2.407; 95% CI: 1.017-4.121). Moreover, results show that the significant influencing factors of father support breastfeeding self-efficacy include breastfeeding knowledge, fatigue, positive affect, successfully experienced helping mothers to breastfeed, spousal relationships and companionship time. CONCLUSIONS: High-level father support breastfeeding self-efficacy effectively increased exclusive breastfeeding rate at six weeks postpartum. To enhance the exclusive breastfeeding rate, nurses or midwives can endeavour to design educational programmes or take supportive interventions customised for fathers, such as enhancing their breastfeeding knowledge education, reducing fatigue and mobilising positive emotions, thereby bolstering paternal self-efficacy in breastfeeding.

Effects of Mozart-Orff parent-child music therapy among mothers and their preschool children with autism spectrum disorder: A mixed-methods randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) negatively impacts mental health, particularly in mothers of autistic children who experience heightened stress. Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and music therapy are recognised interventions for improving ASD symptoms. However, the specific benefits of parent-child music therapy and ABA for autistic children and their mothers remain uncertain. This study evaluated the effects of parent-child music therapy on preschool autistic children and their mothers. METHOD: A randomised controlled trial was conducted with 100 mother-child pairs assigned to either the control group receiving ABA or the intervention group receiving both music therapy and ABA. Qualitative interviews were conducted post-intervention for 12 mothers. RESULTS: Children in the intervention group exhibited lower scores for ASD symptoms than those in the control group. Moreover, mothers in the intervention group demonstrated reduced dysfunctional parent-child interaction, lower overall parental stress, significantly improved family functioning, and increased levels of hope compared with those in the control group. Mothers held positive views regarding music therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Combining ABA with parent-child music therapy can alleviate ASD symptoms in children and reduce stress in mothers. Improved parent-child interaction and enhanced family functioning further support the benefits of this combined approach. Parent-child music therapy, combined with ABA demonstrated positive outcomes for autistic children, including reduced ASD symptoms, improved parent-child interaction, decreased parental stress, enhanced family functioning, and increased hope. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating music therapy as a valuable component in the comprehensive treatment of ASD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial registry (05/07/2021, ChiCTR2100048261, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=128957 ). Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University and the study hospital (Fujian Provincial Maternity and Child Health Hospital; 2017 - 105), and informed consent was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s).

Analysis of the survival journey and post-traumatic growth process of children and their families following paediatric intensive care unit admission: A grounded theory study.

OBJECTIVES: Advances in critical care technology have lowered mortality rates among critically ill individuals. Nonetheless, survivors and their families may develop new physical, mental, cognitive, and social challenges due to paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) treatments, impacting their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival journey and post-traumatic growth process of children and their families following PICU admission within the Chinese cultural context. METHODS: Twenty-six children who have been or are currently admitted to the PICU, alongside their parents and three PICU nurses, were chosen through purposive and theoretical sampling. Data collection involved face-to-face interviews and observations, with data analysis conducted through continuous comparison, open coding, and selective coding techniques. FINDINGS: A model outlining the survival journey and post-traumatic growth process of critically ill children and their families post PICU admission has been established. This model encompasses two central trajectories: an upward trajectory consisting of confusion, charging, action, and sublimation phases and a downward trajectory comprising confusion, doubt and fear, inhibition (including confrontation and avoidance), and drowning phases. CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill children and their families encounter diverse survival experiences and psychological journeys following traumatic events in the PICU. The survival experience has alternative upwards or downwards trajectories that are flexible/adaptable. Hence, offering timely psychological support can alter their developmental trajectories and foster post-traumatic growth.

Protective Cerium Oxide Coating Promoted Ce-Doping and Reconstruction of High-Valence NiFe Sulfide toward Robust Overall Water Splitting.

Active and stable electrocatalysts toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are essential for alkaline water splitting. Herein, an efficient and durable high-valence NiFe-based OER electrocatalyst is developed, featuring a protective CeO2- x coating to prevent the corrosion of carbon substrates during oxidative OER operation, ensuring excellent catalyst stability. The incorporation of a CeO2- x coating also leads to the formation of a Ce-doped NiFe sulfide catalyst. The Ce modulator enables the dynamic transformation of NiFe sulfide into highly active (oxy)hydroxide species with high-valence Ni sites and enhanced Ni─O covalency, thereby improving its OER catalytic activity. Accordingly, the prepared NiFeS2 /CeO2- x /CC catalyst achieves enhanced OER activity with an overpotential of 260 mV at 100 mA cm-2 in 1.0 m KOH. Moreover, the catalyst achieves 100 mA cm-2 current density at an overpotential of 187 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer reached 500 mA cm-2 at 1.73 V cell voltage with excellent stability for 500 h continuous operation. This study demonstrates a promising approach for the fabrication of robust water-splitting electrocatalysts.

Manipulating Redox Kinetics using p-n Heterojunction Biservice Matrix as both Cathode Sulfur Immobilizer and Anode Lithium Stabilizer for Practical Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

As an attractive high-energy-density technology, the practical application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is severely limited by the notorious dissolution and shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPS), resulting in sluggish reaction kinetics and uncontrollable dendritic Li growth. Herein, a p-n typed heterostructure consisting of n-type MoS2 nanoflowers embedded with p-type NiO nanoparticles is designed on carbon nanofibers (denoted as NiO-MoS2 @CNFs) as both cathode sulfur immobilizer and anode Li stabilizer for practical Li-S batteries. Such p-n typed heterostructure is proposed to establish the built-in electric field across the heterointerface for facilitated the positive charge to reach the surface of NiO-MoS2 , meanwhile inherits the excellent LiPS adsorption ability of p-type NiO nanoparticles and catalytic ability of n-type MoS2 . As the anode matrix, the implementation of NiO-MoS2 heterostructure can prevent the growth of Li dendrites by enhancing the lithiophilicity and reducing local current density. The obtained Li-S full battery exhibits an ultra-high areal capacity over 7.3 mAh cm-2 , far exceeding that of current commercial Li-ion batteries. Meanwhile, a stable cycling performance can be achieved under low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 5.8 µL mg-1 and negative/positive capacity ratio of 1. The corresponding pouch cell maintains high energy density of 305 Wh kg-1 and stable cycling performance under various bending angles.

Global analysis of the perturbation effects of metal-based nanoparticles on soil nitrogen cycling.

Although studies have investigated the effects of metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) on soil biogeochemical processes, the results obtained thus far are highly variable. Moreover, we do not yet understand how the impact of MNPs is affected by experimental design and environmental conditions. Herein, we conducted a global analysis to synthesize the effects of MNPs on 17 variables associated with soil nitrogen (N) cycling from 62 studies. Our results showed that MNPs generally exerted inhibitory effects on N-cycling process rates, N-related enzyme activities, and microbial variables. The response of soil N cycling varied with MNP type, and exposure dose was the most decisive factor for the variations in the responses of N-cycling process rates and enzyme activities. Notably, Ag/Ag2 S and CuO had dose-dependent inhibitory effects on ammonia oxidation rates, while CuO and Zn/ZnO showed hormetic effects on nitrification and denitrification rates, respectively. Other experimental design factors (e.g., MNP size and exposure duration) also regulated the effect of MNPs on soil N cycling, and specific MNPs, such as Ag/Ag2 S, exerted stronger effects during long-term (>28 days) exposure. Environmental conditions, including soil pH, organic carbon, texture, and presence/absence of plants, significantly influenced MNP toxicity. For instance, the effects of Ag/Ag2 S on the ammonia oxidation rate and the activity of leucine aminopeptidase were more potent in acid (pH <6), organic matter-limited (organic carbon content ≤10 g kg-1 ), and coarser soils. Overall, these results provide new insights into the general mechanisms by which MNPs alter soil N processes in different environments and underscore the urgent need to perform multivariate and long-term in situ trials in simulated natural environments.

Paenibacillus polygoni sp. nov., an endophytic bacterium isolated from Polygonum lapathifolium L. in wetland.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, yellowish and glossy strain, C31T, was isolated from a wetland plant Polygonum lapathifolium L. located south of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Province, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain C31T showed similarity values of lower than 97.0 % to other type species belonging to the genus Paenibacillus. The genomic average nucleotide identity values between strain C31T and its reference type species ranged from 68.9-70.9 % and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were lower than 27.8 %. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain C31T was 41.9 mol%. The optimal growth temperature, pH and NaCl concentration were 37 °C, pH 7 and 0.5 %, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids (>5.0 %) of strain C31T were anteiso-C15 : 0 (73.7 %), anteiso-C17 : 0 (8.4 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (5.2 %). The polar lipids of strain C31T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and unidentified phospholipids. The respiratory quinone was MK-7. Based on these phylogenetic and phenotypic characterizations, strain C31T represents a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus. Therefore, the proposed name for this newly identified species is Paenibacillus polygoni sp. nov. and the type strain is C31T (=CCTCC AB 2022349T=KCTC 43565T).

NiFe-based electrocatalyst anchored on nanocone with tip-field effect for improved oxygen evolution reaction.

The development of high efficiency oxygen evolution electrocatalyst is of great significance for water splitting reaction. Herein, an efficient cone-structured NiFe-LDH/Nicone/Ti catalyst is fabricated by electrodeposition method towards enhanced oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The featured tip curvature of nanocone structure can accelerate the reaction kinetics of OER by offering a field-enhanced aggregation of local hydroxide ion reactant on the catalyst surface, and thus improves the performance of the NiFe catalyst. Accordingly, NiFe-LDH/Nicone/Ti requires only a low overpotential of 292 mV to achieve 50 mA cm-2, and with high stability under continuous high-current operations. In addition, the alkali-electrolyzer using NiFe-LDH/Nicone/Ti electrode exhibits good performance with a voltage of 1.73 V at 50 mA cm-2and displays excellent stability in long-term stability test. This cone-structured catalyst design with field-enhanced local hydroxide ion aggregation effect provides a promising method for the development of highly active OER electrocatalysts.

Mental health, sleep quality, and hormonal circadian rhythms in pregnant women with threatened preterm labor: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Threatened preterm labor (TPL) is an important obstetrical challenge. Pregnant women with TPL may develop psychological and physical problems such as mental health disorders, sleep disturbance, and hormonal circadian rhythm disruption. This study aimed to investigate the current state of mental health, sleep quality, and circadian rhythms of cortisol and melatonin secretion in pregnant women with TPL and normal pregnant women (NPW). METHODS: A prospective observational clinical study was conducted at a maternal and child health hospital in Fuzhou, China, between June and July 2022. A total of 50 women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation (TPL group, n = 20; NPW group, n = 30) were recruited. Data on anxiety symptom (Zung's Self-rating Anxiety Scale, SAS), depression symptom (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS), subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and objective sleep outcomes (measured by actigraphy) of the pregnant women were collected at the time of enrolment. Salivary samples were collected once every 6 h (i.e., at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00, and 00:00) during 2 consecutive days to measure the circadian rhythm of hormone (cortisol and melatonin). RESULTS: There were no differences found in the total scores of SAS, EPDS scores, subjective sleep quality between the TPL and NPW groups (P > 0.05). In contrast, significant differences were found in sleep efficiency, total sleep time, wake time after sleep onset, and average awakening time between the groups (P < 0.05). The circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion was disrupted in the TPL group (P = 0.350); however, it was maintained in the NPW group (P = 0.044). The circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion was disrupted in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the third trimester of pregnancy, women with TPL suffer from poorer sleep quality and disruption of circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion compared with NPW. Nevertheless, there were no differences found in mental health (i.e., anxiety and depression) and circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion. Large-scale studies should be conducted to evaluate these changes in women with TPL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered from Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Number: ChiCTR2200060674) on 07/06/2022.

Parenting sense of competence among chinese parents of premature infants: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Parenting sense of competence is not only indispensable to the wellbeing of the parents of premature infants, but is also pivotal to the overall development of these infants. This study examined the level of parenting sense of competence and its associated factors in Chinese parents of preterm infants. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at a university teaching hospital in Fuzhou (China) from December 2021 to April 2022. Data were collected using the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Parenting Care Knowledge Subscale, Parenting Care Skill Subscale, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 401 Chinese parents were included in the analysis. The average parenting sense of competence scale score was 70.93 ± 13.06. After controlling for demographic characteristics, parenting knowledge (ß = 0.149, P = 0.013), parenting skills (ß = 0.241, P < 0.001), social support (ß = 0.184, P < 0.001) and depression (ß = -0.272, P < 0.001), were significantly associated with the parenting sense of competence score, and explained 43.60% of the variance in this score. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese parents of preterm infants were found to have a moderate parenting sense of competence. This could be further improved through efforts aimed at reducing depressive symptoms and increasing parenting knowledge, parenting skills, and social support.

Effects of Parent-Child Sandplay Therapy for preschool children with autism spectrum disorder and their mothers: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the Parent-Child Sandplay Therapy (PCST) Program on autism behaviors, social responsiveness and sleep quality among preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and their mothers' parenting stress. DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled, parallel-group trial was employed. Fifty-two child-mother dyads were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 26) or a control group (n = 26) from February 2017 to February 2019. The intervention group was treated with a 20-week PCST Program plus an Applied Behavior Analysis-based program (ABA-based program), whereas the control group received only the ABA-based program. Outcome measures included the Autism Behavior Checklist total scores, Social Responsiveness Scale scores, Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire scores, and Parenting Stress Index-Short Form scores, measured at baseline, post-intervention (20 weeks after baseline) and follow-up assessments (32 weeks after baseline). RESULTS: Finally, 43 dyads completed the study. The linear mixed model analysis resulted in a significant group*time interaction effect of ABC score (Est = 2.027, t = 3.277; p < 0.01), SRS score (Est = 3.377, t = 6.095; p < 0.01), PSI-SF score (Est = 3.873, t = 4.253, p < 0.01), and CSHQ score (Est = 3.158, t = 6.485; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that the PCST Program could potentially improve social interaction and sleep quality of preschool children with ASD while decreasing parenting stress. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The PCST Program was found to be a feasible and a promising treatment for children with mild-to-moderate ASD as well as for their parents. It was a nurse-led program, which could be integrated into the usual nursing care of children with autism spectrum disorder in special education schools. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry, ChiCTR2100047699.

Evaluating the effects of formation and stabilization of opal/sand aggregates with organic matter amendments.

Opal (SiO2·nH2O, amorphous silica), the by-product of alumina extraction from coal fly ash (CFA), has a strong adsorption capacity and is also an important component of clay minerals in soils. The combining of opal with sand to form artificial soils is an effective disposal strategy for large-scale CFA stockpiles and reduction of environmental risk. Nevertheless, its poor physical condition limits plant growth. Organic matter (OM) amendments have broad potential applications for water-holding and improving soil aggregation. Effects of OMs (vermicompost (VC), bagasse (BA), biochar (BC) and humic acid (HA)) on the formation, stability and pore characteristics of opal/sand aggregates were evaluated through 60-day laboratory incubation experiments. Results demonstrated that four OMs could reduce pH, with BC having the most significant effect, VC significantly increasing the electrical conductivity (EC) and TOC content of the aggregates. Except for HA, other OMs could improve the aggregates' water-holding capacity. The mean weight diameter (MWD) and percentage of >0.25 mm aggregates (R0.25) of BA-treated aggregates were the largest, and BA had the most noticeable contribution to macro-aggregate's formation. The best aggregate stability was obtained with HA treatment, meanwhile the percentage of aggregate destruction (PAD0.25) decreased with the addition of HA. After amendments, the proportion of organic functional groups increased, which favored aggregate's formation and stability; the surface pore characteristics were improved, with the porosity ranging from 70% to 75%, reaching the level of well-structured soil. Overall, the addition of VC and HA can effectively promote aggregates' formation and stabilization. This research may play a key role in converting CFA or opal into artificial soil. The combining of opal with sand to form artificial soil will not only solve the environmental problems caused by large-scale CFA stockpiles but will also enable the comprehensive utilization of siliceous materials in agriculture.

A virtual simulation-based training program on birthing positions: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Restricting parturient women in healthcare facilities from choosing positions that provide the greatest comfort and benefit during labor is a global barrier. Several complex factors, including caregiver preference and medical intervention, shape the limitation. Therefore, a practical need exists to train midwives on the knowledge and skills to change this condition. METHODS: The study used a parallel, single-blind, randomized controlled trial at a provincial maternity and child health hospital in Fujian, China, from June 1 to December 31, 2019. The midwives in a birth suite were selected and randomly enrolled in a one-month simulation-based hybrid training or face-to-face teaching in September 2019. The four-level Kirkpatrick's model, including reaction, learning, behavior, and results, was used to evaluate training effects before and after the program. Data were analyzed with SPSS 25.0 using Student's t-test, Spearman's correlation test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and chi-square test analysis of variance. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Forty-two midwives were initially randomized to either the virtual simulation group or the face-to-face group. One midwife was excluded from the analysis due to intervention discontinuation, resulting in a final analysis of 41 midwives (n1 = 21, n2 = 20). Post-intervention, the virtual simulation group exhibited higher satisfaction and learning effects compared to the face-to-face group, while the rate of perineal incision in primiparas was lower (p<0.05). No significant changes or differences were observed in self-rated behavior between the two groups (p>0.05). The virtual simulation group demonstrated an increase in non-supine birth rate (p = 0.030) and a decrease in perineal incision rate among primiparas compared to pre-intervention (p = 0.035). Moreover, knowledge performance was associated with the duration of virtual simulation (r = 0.664, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual simulation is a fascinating innovation that enables midwives to develop birthing positions without practicing on real pregnant women and is one solution to achieve work competency within a shortened training period.

Mothers' breastfeeding six weeks postpartum and factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months.

We aimed to assess the feeding pattern and influencing factors within six weeks postpartum on exclusive breastfeeding duration among Chinese mothers. This study was conducted using 2:1 matched case-control study. Cases and controls were matched for maternal age, parity and mode of birth. A total of 210 women were included. Approximately 67.9% of women stopped exclusive breastfeeding within the first six weeks postpartum. Maternal non-exclusive breastfeeding intention, lower maternal educational level, mother-infant skin to skin contact over one hour, unsatisfied breastfeeding self-evaluation and maternal unhealthy condition within the first six weeks were risk factors for ceasing exclusive breastfeeding early.

[Protective effect of vitrification and controlled slow freezing on immature testicular tissue].

OBJECTIVE: To explore and compare the current mainstream testicular tissue freezing methods, namely vitrification and controlled slow freezing, and optimize the best testicular tissue freezing methods. METHODS: Testicular tissues of 3-week-old mice and <2-year old prepubertal cynomophage monkeys were collected and cut to 6-26 mm3, and divided into three groups: Fresh group, vitrification group and controlled slow freezing group were resuscitated after 5-7 days of freezing. HE staining, immunofluorescence staining, TUNEL staining and Western blot were used to evaluate the frozen-thawed testicular tissue. RESULTS: 1. In the testes of C57BL6/J mice, the expression level of spermatogonial stem cell marker UCHL1 in the controlled slow freezing group was higher than that in the vitrification group, and the content of apoptotic cells (TUNEL+ cells) was lower than that in the vitrification group. 2. In the testicular tissue of cynomolgus monkeys, the expression levels of spermatogonial stem cell markers UCHL1 and cell proliferation marker PCNA in the CSF group were higher than those in the vitrification group. CONCLUSION: Both vitrification and CSF can successfully preserve the testes of immature mice and cynomolgus monkeys before puberty. However, in the vitrification, there are more frozen damaged areas in the testicular tissue with the frozen volume of 6-26mm3, which may affect the cryopreservation of spermatogonial stem cells in the testicular tissue.

Whole-exome sequencing of a large Chinese azoospermia and severe oligospermia cohort identifies novel infertility causative variants and genes.

Rare coding variants have been proven to be one of the significant factors contributing to spermatogenic failure in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and severe oligospermia (SO). To delineate the molecular characteristics of idiopathic NOA and SO, we performed whole-exome sequencing of 314 unrelated patients of Chinese Han origin and verified our findings by comparing to 400 fertile controls. We detected six pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and four variants of unknown significance, in genes known to cause NOA/SO, and 9 of which had not been earlier reported. Additionally, we identified 20 novel NOA candidate genes affecting 25 patients. Among them, five (BRDT, CHD5, MCM9, MLH3 and ZFX) were considered as strong candidates based on the evidence obtained from murine functional studies and human single-cell (sc)RNA-sequencing data. These genetic findings provide insight into the aetiology of human NOA/SO and pave the way for further functional analysis and molecular diagnosis of male infertility.

A sulfur defective Mn-doped Ni3S2-xnanosheet for enhanced overall water splitting.

Non-precious and stable electrocatalysts towards both oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction (OER/HER) are essential for effective overall water splitting in alkaline solution. In this study, a sulfur defective and manganese-doped nickel sulfide nanosheet that uniformly grown on nickel foam substrate (Mn-Ni3S2-x@NF) is synthesized. In alkaline solution, the Mn-Ni3S2-x@NF showed a low overpotential of 76 and 110 mV for OER and HER at 10 mA cm-2, respectively, together exhibiting excellent stability for both OER and HER reaction. It was confirmed by the experimental results that sulfur defects and Mn-doping synergistically optimized the electronic structure of Mn-Ni3S2-xwith increased electrical conductivity and enhanced OER/HER activity. Moreover, amorphous nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) was observed byin situRaman during the OER condition, suggesting NiOOH is the active phase for OER reaction. Furthermore, the electrolyzer assembled by Mn-Ni3S2-x@NF merely needs 1.46 V to reach 10 mA cm-2and shows good stability as well. This study provides a feasible way to prepare high-efficiency bifunctional catalysts for overall water splitting.

MOF-derived nitrogen-doped carbon-based trimetallic bifunctional catalysts for rechargeable zinc-air batteries.

Zinc-air battery (ZAB) is a promising new metal-air energy system, but the large overpotentials of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) around the air electrode lead to their poor energy efficiency. Herein, a novel bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst is reported with the preparation of a zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) derived trimetallic composites decorated nitrogen-doped carbon, which consist of NiFe alloy and Co nanoparticles. The ZIF-derived porous N-doped carbon shell can speed up the mass transfer efficiency. Whereas the electronic effect between the formed NiFe alloy and Co nanoparticles, as well as the N-doped carbon framework can enrich the active centers and enhance the electrical conductivity. As a result, the NiFe-Co@NC-450 catalyst shows superior performance manifested as a small potential gap (ΔE = 0.857 V) between the overpotential at 10 mA cm-2(Ej=10) for OER (460 mV) and half-wave potential (E1/2) for ORR (0.833 V). The liquid ZABs exhibit a high specific capacity reaching 798 mAh/gZnand a stable cycling performance at 10 mA cm-2for more than 200 h. Meanwhile, the NiFe-Co@NC-450 based flexible ZABs also presents robust flexibility and stability. This study has certain implications for the development of economical, powerful and stable bifunctional catalysts for ZABs.